Home. Driving her Jeep through the winding paths of Palampur, Aditi wondered what awaited her tonight. The few hours at the clinic had been a respite. Treating the patients, and talking to them helped her forget her own troubles. Their problems were much worse than hers, their needs more pressing, their worries more real. It gave her a much-needed perspective.

Now on the way back though, a familiar dread started creeping into her heart. Vivaan Raisingh, slapped and rejected, was not going to take it lying down. He would be there waiting for her. By now he must have decided how he was going to punish her. It won't be a horse this time, not even a poor servant. Her offense was much worse than ever before. It deserved something drastic.

Crossing a path lined with towering trees, her Jeep entered the familiar driveway. A shiny new BMW stood next to Vivaan's grey Porsche, taking her usual parking spot. Which meant Grandpa Raisingh was here too. Her pulse started racing. She didn't know how he would react to her decision. He already considered her a Raisingh, for him, the actual marriage was a mere formality. Convincing him would be another strain on her poor Dadaji.

Bracing her heart, she parked her Jeep and entered the house.

"Well, hello young lady!" Grandpa Raisingh's booming voice welcomed her from the lounge. "Where have you been? I came here especially to meet you, but it seems you are too busy!"

Aditi felt slightly relieved. Grandpa Raisingh looked like his usual blustery self. Which meant he hadn't heard anything yet. "I'm sorry, Grandpa. I was just at the clinic. It took a bit longer than expected."

"Ah! Let me guess. It must be another case the old doctor couldn't handle. And as usual, you must have rushed to pick up the slack. I must say Wadhwa is getting lazy in his old age. I can have a chat with him if you like?"

"It's no big deal, grandpa. Dr. Wadhwa has taught me a lot. And you know I like to help," Aditi rushed to clarify. "And there's not much he can do in critical cases. So it's good he refers to me."

"But look at the time, young lady. It's nearly half past eight. It's not safe to stay out this long, especially for a girl like you." Grandpa Raisingh's face was etched with concern. "And then, you should take care of yourself. Vivaan told me you are hurt. That's why I rushed to see you, but here you are, gallivanting off God knows where while your family worries for you."

His concern somehow sounded like a severe chastisement. Aditi glanced at her Dadaji who looked livid with rage.

"She is a doctor, Dalpat. They pledge themselves to people's service when they take the oath." he smiled tightly. "And you know me well. Women of my house are allowed to follow their hearts. In fact, they don't need anyone's permission, including me." His voice was light, his words were anything but. Aditi wondered if Grandpa Raisingh would take the hint, but as usual, he dismissed with a wave of his hand.

"That's all well and good, my friend, as long as you don't forget your promise." He wiggled his eyebrows mischievously. "Aditi is ours and your job is to keep her safe until she comes to my house. Right, Aditi?" he asked, stroking her cheek playfully.

She gave a strained smile. Her Dadaji's face was turning a shade of purple.

"As I've said before Dalpat, it's yet to be decided. But as long as she's in this house, she's free to do what she wants." He would have said more if Kanta Chachi hadn't appeared at that moment to announce dinner. Aditi sent her a thankful glance. The woman knew to be at the right place at the right time.

Dinner that night was a strange affair. At one end of the table, Grandpa Raisingh sat regaling stories about his recent adventures, all of which involved him making tons of money off horses and gambling. Ravi Chachu and Mansi Chachi hung on to his every word, listening to his heroics with starry eyes. Her Dadaji sat through it all playing a perfect host yet hardly saying a word.

On the other side, the youngsters were in their own little world. Mohit still looked surly and said as little as possible. Aditi kept her head down picking at her food. Okra fry and kheer - Vivaan's favorite - cooked especially by her sister. She knew Nehal had a soft spot for Vivaan, but today it was glaringly obvious. Her eyes strayed to the pair of them as Vivaan cracked a joke and Nehal laughed heartily. Her sister looked as if she was in seventh heaven. Aditi felt queasy.

She was right. He was coming for them. This time he was going to use her sister unless she changed her mind. Unless she found some way to protect them both, which was almost impossible by the looks of it. Bile rose to her throat as she stood up abruptly and left from there. She didn't notice Grandpa Raisingh shooting Vivaan a meaningful look. Neither did she see her Dadaji letting out a strangled sigh.

*****

It was late at night when Zorawar knocked on the oak door of his master's Study. The Raisinghs had left some time ago. It was time for his daily report.

"His name is Darsh Rathore. He came to the clinic today to see Aditi Di. He needed painkillers and also seemed to have a rash."

All legitimate reasons. His master nodded.

"She scolded him about something, then told him she was scared of Vivaan Sir. He told her not to bother about him as he's not her fiancé."

His master raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

"Yes. Then she bandaged his bruises and checked his rash. In the end, she asked if his holiday was over and suggested more places to visit."

"Hmm..." His master went into a contemplative mode. "Where is he staying?"

"Hunter's Cottage. It's leased for a month, with the possibility to extend. He's got a horse he keeps at the racecourse stables. And a Range Rover he uses when he's in town. I learned from the manager that he is here scouting land for a stud farm."

"A stud farm, eh?" His master's lip twitched. "Are you sure he's the same man who helped Aditi at the racecourse?"

"Positive. My lad who was at the clinic today was there when Aditi Di fell at the racecourse. He is the same man."

His master nodded. "Find that guide he used. And send someone to the temple tomorrow to bring the old priest. I need to talk to them."

"As you say, Malik."

His master gave him a look. "Keep an eye on him. And be discrete. I do not want a word of this to get out."

"You can trust me, Malik. No one will know."

His master nodded. "Thank you Zorawar."

"My lads are watching him, Malik. We can search his cottage if need be. That'd give us more information on his motive." Zorawar offered eagerly.

His master shook his head. "All in good time, Zorawar. For now, just watch him and report. And one more thing.." The next words came in hushed tones. Zorawar looked curious.

"Keep an eye on the Raisinghs."

Zorawar's face turned ashen. "The Raisinghs, Malik? Both of them?"

"Yes. Find someone you absolutely trust. It must be done very carefully. There's no room for error."

Zorawar pursed his lips. "It'd be done, Malik."

"Thank you. That's all for tonight."

Zorawar bowed deep and made an exit. His master dialed a number and spoke again in hushed tones. Then sat back and closed his weary eyes.

*****

The next day Darsh stayed put in his cottage, mostly shirtless, airing his rash. His doctor's advice was showing effect. And the medication worked much better now that he was away from dust and heat.

Noon came, and he got up to reheat another frozen meal. A slight movement in the shrubs outside his window caught his eye. The man had been hiding there for quite some time now. Darsh wondered if he should offer him lunch, but dismissed the thought.

After yesterday's very public visit to the clinic, he knew he was being watched. Balwant Rai Sharma was hot on his trail. By now he must have had a full report on his whereabouts. Darsh wondered if he'd created enough intrigue to merit a folder yet, just as the one he had on Aditi.

He should burn that folder, his brain warned. It had served its purpose, he had channeled his hatred towards it when he could do nothing else. It was dangerous to keep now that he was under their radar. Yet he couldn't bring himself to do the deed. It was her folder. Destroying it felt close to sacrilege. Which was utterly stupid, of course. It was just a folder, a few pieces of paper containing useless information that he didn't need anymore. He should look out for himself rather than be an emotional fool.

Burn it, his brain chided. Darsh shook his head. Later. He'd decide about it later. For now, he had something else to look forward to.

Finishing his meal he gave the cottage a quick spruce-up. Then chose a fresh white t-shirt to go with his grey chinos. Glancing in the bathroom mirror he checked his reflection. He was expecting a visitor soon, he wanted to make the right first impression.

As if on cue, there was a knock on the door. Darsh opened it to find an old man standing at his doorstep. Silver-haired, proud, and erect, he didn't need any introduction. An invisible aura of supreme power and authority radiated through him. Darsh had seen only one person with a similar aura before. In that one moment, when he'd mentioned Lover's Point.

"Ah, Mr. Sharma. Finally, we meet!" Smiling broadly he offered his hand.

"Move aside, boy," the man ignored him and walked in as if he owned the place.

*****

"So how do you find Palampur?" Sitting on a sofa in his lounge, Balwant Rai Sharma asked casually.

"It's a nice place," Darsh answered meekly. Balwant Rai Sharma hadn't come alone. Two of his henchmen stood outside the cottage ready for any eventuality. They looked decent though he knew they were anything but.

"Just nice? Not beautiful?"

"Of course, it's beautiful." Darsh agreed hastily.

"How do you find the people here?" Balwant Sharma continued casually. Outside the window, the man came out of his hiding place and stretched his arms. His shirt lifted a little to give Darsh a glimpse of the gun tucked in his trouser belt.

"Th..they are good." Darsh turned his eyes to focus on his interviewer.

"Just good?"

"Umm...they're beautiful too."

The old man's lips twitched. Darsh grimaced. This wasn't how he'd imagined this meeting to go. It was supposed to start with the man thanking him profusely for saving his granddaughter's life twice. But so far Darsh hadn't received a word of gratitude. If anything, it looked like he was the one supposed to be grateful to have the landlord gracing his humble hut. Well, what did he expect? This was her grandfather. He could see where she got her haughtiness from.

"How's your rash now?"

"It's beaut...I mean it's nearly gone."

The man’s lips twitched.

"So is the doctor to your satisfaction?"

"Yeah...I mean..she is okay. Quite new. Would be better with experience." Darsh ventured. The man was toying with him. He had to stand up for himself at some point.

"You reckon?" The man raised his brows.

"I do."

"So she has potential?"

Darsh coughed. Where was this going? "Quite."

"Well, I am pleased to hear that."

The man made himself comfortable on the sofa. His next words came cold and sharp.

"I must thank you for helping Aditi so many times. First the racecourse, then Badari and the caves. It almost feels like you knew exactly where to be and when to be."

Darsh straightened. This was more like the line of conversation he wanted to follow, yet the way it started gave him jitters. "It was nothing, Mr. Sharma. I did what anyone would have done in my place. And I assure you it was a mere coincidence. I just happened to be at the racecourse that day. And the meeting on the way to Badari was also by chance."

"Ah, but then there's no such thing as coincidence, is it?" The man tilted his head. "Both you and I know it doesn't exist. Men like us make them happen, at our convenience, to suit our needs."

Men like us. The words sounded ominous. Darsh wondered just how much Balwant Sharma knew about him.

"I assure you it was nothing but a coincidence. I was there at the racecourse to collect Eros for my excursion in the hills the next day. It was only by chance that I saw Aditi struggling. If you'd rather I didn't help her..."

Balwant shook his head. "No no, boy. What you did was commendable. As I said I am forever indebted."

Darsh let out an imperceptible sigh. He was treading through choppy waters. The man was suspicious about him and rightly so.

"Now let's talk some business, boy," Balwant Sharma said, suddenly looking grave. "Tell me what a property magnate like you is doing in Palampur. And don't try to act smart. I want the real reason. The real reason."

Darsh smiled broadly. "Why, I am sure you already know it, Mr. Sharma. I am here to scout land for a stud farm. And I also think Palampur has great potential for medical tourism."

***** *****